BIBLE BOOK: Philippians
“Faithful, joyful, and triumphant”…..
The Epistle to the Philippians, written by the Apostle Paul, contains a dominant note of rejoicing. This is all the more significant when we realize that the letter was written from prison where Paul was experiencing “bonds” for the sake of Christ (Phil.1:13). In many countries nowadays prison life has improved considerably from what it was a hundred years ago. Although inmates are deprived of the freedom known outside of prison walls, cells are comfortable compared to what they used to be. As a prisoner two thousand years ago, Paul knew from first-hand experience what prison was like. He had been held captive in Philippi, incarcerated in an inner dungeon with his feet held in the stocks (Acts 16:24). The Christian believers therefore could relate to this letter from Paul, for they would remember how he and Silas had been detained in the jail at Philippi. On that occasion the two men had been praying and singing praises to God at midnight, refusing to have their spirits dampened by the uncongenial surroundings in which they were held. Nothing could displace the joy of the Lord with which their hearts overflowed.
The well-loved Christmas carol Oh, come all ye faithful, attributed to John Francis Wade, and translated from Latin to English by Frederick Oakeley, begins with the words, “Oh, come all ye faithful, joyful, and triumphant.” These three adjectives accurately summarize Paul’s character as revealed in Philippians. He was faithful in that his expressed desire was to live for Christ (Phil.1:21). The word presents one who was both loyal and steadfast. Does this not perfectly describe Paul?
“THAT I MAY KNOW HIM”
Not only was Paul faithful in determining to live for Christ, he was also faithful in his service. Although longing to depart from this scene and be “with Christ, which is far better,” (1:23), he knew it was “more needful” for him “to abide in the flesh” (1:24) and thus be of service to them. Instead of focusing on his personal ambitions, he saw himself as one of “the servants of Jesus Christ” (1:1) and sought to be faithful to his Lord and Master.
The second adjective mentioned earlier was joyful. The joy that filled Paul’s heart overflowed in this letter to the Philippians. Thanking God for these believing friends of his, he was “making request with joy” (1:4) for them. Should he be able to visit them later, mutual “rejoicing … in Jesus Christ” (1:26) would characterize their fellowship together. Paul was concerned for their spiritual progress and “joy of faith” (1:25). He could exhort them to “rejoice in the Lord” continually (4:4) because he was rejoicing in the Lord too. The spirit of this man was irrepressible, as “again” from his prison cell he exhorted them to “rejoice” (4:4).
As well as being joyful, Paul was triumphant. His imprisonment was cause enough for concern as his journeys in the service of the Lord had been suspended. The Philippians had heard of his detention and were doubtless unhappy to think that God’s work was being hindered. However, this supposed barrier in reality had turned out to be a source of blessing. The imprisonment of the man of God had resulted in “the furtherance of the gospel” (1:12) with Paul’s “bonds in Christ” (1:13) being made known to those around him. Although the purpose of his imprisonment had been to silence him, the reality was that it had simply furnished him with a different audience! This triumphant apostle could joyfully declare, “Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice” (1:18). Souls had already been saved, for greetings were sent from those “of Caesar’s household” to their new friends in Philippi (4:22).
It is perfectly clear that Paul could only be joyful and triumphant in such adverse circumstances because he knew the Lord. It is therefore surprising to hear him exclaim, “That I may know him!” (3:10). Surely he knew the Lord already? Yes, Paul did – but he wanted to know Him better. Only by a closer walk with the Lord would he be able to finish his course victoriously. He knew he was “not … already perfect” (3:12), but with purpose was pressing “toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (3:14). What challenges these present to us!
“THE GOSPEL”
One of the major themes in this epistle is “the gospel” – especially in the first chapter. Paul was deeply grateful for his friends at Philippi who had expressed their “fellowship in the gospel” (1:5) ever since their first meeting by sending gifts “once and again” (4:16) to support him in his work. For a time they had experienced poverty and had “lacked opportunity” (4:10) to demonstrate their support. “Now at the last” they had been able to send a further gift which Paul deeply appreciated, but he made it clear that he was not hinting for anything from them (4:10,11). More than anything he might receive from them, his genuine concern was for their lives to be fruitful (4:17).
Paul was “set for the defence of the gospel” (1:17). He knew the gospel message which saves from sin demands a certain standard of behaviour in the lives of believers. For this reason he exhorted them to exhibit standards which are worthy of the gospel of Christ and to “stand fast in one spirit … striving together for the faith of the gospel” (1:27). God’s people often have to face suffering – as Paul knew only too well. Those who “believe on Him” must be ready “to suffer for His sake” (1:29). Some had already counted the cost and had stepped forward to take up the work which Paul’s imprisonment had kept him from fulfilling (1:14).
OTHER THEMES
Bible commentaries have been written on the Epistle to the Philippians and have filled whole volumes, so an article of this length can barely scratch the surface. Much could be written on that well known passage describing the humility and subsequent glory of our Lord (2:5-11) which may well have been part of an ancient hymn, affirming that “Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (v.11). There are also practical exhortations relating to the believer’s testimony now which are linked with Christ’s second coming when our bodies will be changed by the One who “is able even to subdue all things unto Himself” (3:21)
Single verses in Philippians are familiar too. Paul’s testimony “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (4:13) is written that we might prove it true as well. How often believers have also taken encouragement from Paul’s words, “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (4:19). We must live in the good of this epistle and seek, by God’s grace, to be “faithful, joyful, and triumphant” like its author who was utterly committed to his Master.